Thursday, April 03, 2008

Weekender

Welcome to a short It List. We have two local record reviews coming early next week, as well as at least one other feature and the possiblity of a pretty big announcement. We'll see:

FRIDAY

Ghosthustler/Genova (The Cavern): Don't know much about the DJ/producer Genova since dude didn't feel like putting any tracks on his Myspace page. However, judging by his friends list, he's into all the blog house stuff and probably some disco, etc. as well. Ha. Can you name a better way to make assumptions about music than to base said assumptions on someones Myspace top 8? I can't. And I'll be interested to see what kind of crowd shows up for a Ghosthustler headlining show in Dallas. In Denton, the place is easily packed. In Dallas, I have no idea. It's funny when you think about it, however, because Ghosthustler is easily one of the most nationally buzzed local groups in DFW/Denton right now. I just don't know if a lot of people in Dallas even realize it. Prove me wrong please.

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone/ Clue to Kalo/Tre Orsi (Hailey's): Strong reactions from both sides of the fence on Casiotone-- so many people I know either completely love or completely loath this dude, and frankly, I don't get what all the drama is about on either end. The guy is probably a classic example of contemporary bedroom synth/dreampop, and although some of his lyrics verge on inexcusable emo sap, I don't see what there really is to hate either. In fact, I've heard some pretty honest and cleverly written music in the short time I've spent checking this stuff out. No one will ever do this music better than Magnetic Fields did on Holiday, but hey, a Magnetic Fields show would probably cost three times as much as this.

Goldie (Lizard Lounge): Drum n Bass legend Goldie plays Lizard Lounge tonight, and I have no idea what to expect from it, especially considering that I haven't even thought about this dude in like ten years. And check the Wikipedia entry on him (linked above). Does he remind of you of Crazy Eyes Killaat all?

Bone Thugs N Harmony (SMU Campus, Doak Walker Plaza): In case you missed our silly news bulletin on this subject a couple days ago, Bone Thugs will be playing a concert on SMU's campus, and specifically Doak Walker Plaza, at noon. It's unclear exactly what this show costs, if anything, but I think the chance to get to see Bone Thugs perform in front of a group of rich young Republicans singing along to "First of the Month" is worth a small price, at least. Wait, never mind. No one at SMU knows what the fuck "First of the Month" even is. I bet they do know what weed is, though, and that seems to be Bone's second most frequent topic of song.

RJD2 (the Loft): RJD2 is probably the classic backpacker, as he was a staple of early Def Jux for a number of years. I've generally been underwhelmed by everything I've ever heard from this guy, but people who are into "smart" hip hop seem to worship him. Luckily, I don't hang out with those kind of people.

"Ghosthustler is easily one of the most nationally buzzed local groups in DFW/Denton right now. I just don't know if a lot of people in Dallas even realize it." So that's enough of a reason to go see them? I think the Observer cover story and subsequent coverage, the GvsB love and constant mentions on this site are enough to clue even us dumb Dallas people in that they're "buzzed about." Their buzz-worthiness has been sufficiently rammed down our throats.

"I have no idea what to expect from it, especially considering that I haven't even thought about this dude in like ten years"

10 people in cheap skate shoes and ratty pac sun brand jeans who know what they're listening to and maybe 20 or 30 weird as fuck people from frisco, tyler, and plano looking to score some drugs in the bathroom.

First of all, I live in Dallas, so I get to say whatever the fuck I want about Dallas. If Austin or Denton people talk shit, however, better believe I rep 214.

Second, no, buzz is NOT a reason in and of itself to go see a band. However, it is a reason to expect a big crowd at a show in most cities. For some reason, however, that doesn't happen in Dallas. There are obviously a lot of reasons why this is, but it is puzzling to me none the less. It might have looked like I was saying that people should go because they have a lot of buzz, but that wasn't what I was TRYING to say at all. I was trying to allude to the fact that even popular buzz groups have a hard time drawing a crowd in Dallas, even on the weekends.

Are you really that clueless as to how big drum n bass is in Dallas, 6:26?

The handful of weeklies in Dallas and Denton generally draw better than what you've suggested, and at least a couple hundred regularly show up for big headliners from out of town. Considering Goldie's name recognition and respect within the DnB scene, I guarantee the place will be packed. And the "scoring drugs" comment is laughable. You're much more likely to run into potheads than candy ravers at drum n bass shows.

I feel bad for Ghosthustler. They didn't ask for any hype. And as far as being "overrated" because you don't like the live show: they're a new band of young dudes having to live up to the expectations of anonymous assholes who wouldn't like them no matter what. 5:25---which one of those bands up there are you in? I want to make sure I catch your set so I can see what is surely going to be perfection and true art mingled with top-notch showmanship and chops. Your standards are very clear as far as live shows go it seems.

I'm not a fan of the style of music Ghosthustler plays, but the songs are catchy. I've only seen them live once, which I think was their first show, and they were boring on stage. it was their first show, so maybe they are bringing it now. If not, they need to bring some energy to the stage to match their songs. for instance, I hate girl talk, but I'll be the first to say he puts on a hell of a show. same with yacht and Dan Deacon and other artists with a minimal stage setup. that is some serious competition.

By the time Ghosthustler can polish their live set enough to play a proper show that might garner some "national press", this throw back yacht rock/Ed Banger fad will be dead and replaced with the next flagship indie style.

That being said, the songs they have recorded are fun but disposable. Alan really needs to read some Camus so he can rise from the ashes of Ghosthustler and become the next Morrisey.

Heartstring Stranglers are talented. They may not have as much "buzz" as Ghosthustler, but they are good. And there's really no comparison between the bands anyway because they're two completely different genres.

Dan's Silverleaf is not overrated. It's one of the best venues in Denton.

Most of the people who post comments on this blog are pretentious pricks anyway though, so I don't know why I bother.

I recommend getting here early to catch Joe Rushmore. While alot of people were confused by his set a couple weeks ago opening for Folly Fandango, I was entranced by his blue collar folk songs.Good stuff!

OK...seriously now. I was just trying to stir shit out of boredom. I have actually defended Ghosthustler on numerous occasions because they didn't ask for all the hype. They really are just nice young guys trying to make music, regardless of whether people lavish them with attention. They're also intelligent and especially know their stuff when it comes to music. But to be honest I have been underwhelmed by their live performances.

I do also think Ryan Thomas Becker is a talented person and calling RTB2 "laughable" is just ignorant. And maybe I only like Heartstring Stranglers because my friends are in the band, but I don't think that's why. They're talented and I like their style.

Sorry for being a bitch. It was all in good fun on my side of things. It's just amusing to be the jackass anonymous that pisses everyone off. Someone has to do that at WSJR, right?

I really think its shitty to post a bulletin of your upcoming show, and diss another band playing a show the same night. I hope you all keep booking lame shit to keep me from not going to dan's ever again.

I'm sorry but ghosthustler at the cavern is not competing with that line-up (coughs) at dan's silvergrief. Whether or not ghosthustler is hyped-up is irrelevant. They don't have much control that blogs, newspapers and etc. are all up on their shit right now.

In general people see bands b/c they like the music (imagine that) or to support friends. People are lame to base their decision on hype.

I'm not a fan of Dan's Silverleaf. To say it is one of the best venues in Denton is lame. I didn't know there were any great venues in Denton to tell the truth. This city lost its steam quite a long while back. The crowds are sparse for most any local show, and even for big touring acts.

well dallas really showed up last night. that was the most packed i've ever seen the cavern in the five years i've lived in dallas. Ghosthustler had some technical issues during their set, and the sound was not even close to being loud enough, but the show was still a lot of fun.

Dudes...did you not read my apology? I was being an ass on purpose (as the 5:25 anonymous). Clearly there are instruments involved in Ghosthustler's music. I also said I like their music and have defended them when people criticize them.

Jesus fucking Christ. You people need to calm down.

I also wasn't representing Dan's when I posted that. I was just letting everyone know about the show. Perhaps I should have posted the fake hateful comment about Ghosthustler in a separate post so as not to tarnish Dan's name, but it was a joke anyway.

But Dan's is a good venue if only for the sound. Jimmy knows what he's doing.

I am also fully aware of WSJR's beef with one of the members of Heartstring Stranglers, so I'm sure it wasn't a coincidence that their show was left off the list.

Dudes...did you not read my apology? I was being an ass on purpose (as the 5:25 anonymous). Clearly there are instruments involved in Ghosthustler's music. I also said I like their music and have defended them when people criticize them.

Jesus fucking Christ. You people need to calm down.

I also wasn't representing Dan's when I posted that. I was just letting everyone know about the show. Perhaps I should have posted the fake hateful comment about Ghosthustler in a separate post so as not to tarnish Dan's name, but it was a joke anyway.

But Dan's is a good venue if only for the sound. Jimmy knows what he's doing.

I am also fully aware of WSJR's beef with one of the members of Heartstring Stranglers, so I'm sure it wasn't a coincidence that their show was left off the list.

I just heard someone in WSJR dislikes Freddie. Apparently I heard wrong.

What would be cool is if you guys posted all the shows coming up in the area. I mean, there's a show at Hailey's tonight that you didn't talk about. Sure, it's the Feds, but maybe someone is interested in it. Even if you don't like all the music (I don't), it would be more informative of you to list all upcoming shows. I do generally like your critiques, so include those. But let us know everything that's going on. It might help if a Dentonite wrote for you. Maybe I'm wrong and one already does, but I don't think so.

Also, you should check out the Stranglers. They're doing some interesting stuff. They've only been around since last November but I'm already pretty impressed (and not JUST because I know them...some of my friends make bad music). It has members of Jackson 8 and Baptist Generals.

Thanks for the suggestions. First of all, we DO have people from Denton working on the blog, and we are often accused of paying TOO MUCH attention to Denton as it is... however, we don't mind covering it, and love hanging out there, so its all good.

Second, we don't really have a desire to talk about everything that is happening. If we listed every show in town every day, this would turn into the observer concert listing section. We've always just listed the shows we like and the shows we want to talk about. It's worked well for us so far, and I think we're going to stick with it.

6:56: no, we just liked the name, are friends of jetscreamer but it's not really an homage, just a name we liked for a band that wasn't already taken & it seemed to fit the music. definitely not in the same genre - http://myspace.com/starheadtx

I also happen to like ghosthustler... and heartstring stranglers.. and jesseca... for the record & all.

6:56: no, we just liked the name, are friends of jetscreamer but it's not really an homage, just a name we liked for a band that wasn't already taken & it seemed to fit the music. definitely not in the same genre - http://myspace.com/starheadtx

I also happen to like ghosthustler... and heartstring stranglers.. and jesseca... for the record & all.

Come on, 9:30 (good job having the balls to give us your name, by the way). Is that your best insult? Here...let me give you something to work with...I'm a 24-year-old with a bachelor's degree who decided to be a waitress rather than finding a real job. My parents still pay my phone bill and help with rent. They also pay my car insurance, although I have no car so it's not too useful.

Let's see...I spend most of my days off lounging around my house and watching shitty television rather than doing anything productive or social. I haven't had a steady relationship in over a year and I haven't been on a date in weeks. I also wasted my time writing several posts on this thread even though it's a colossal waste of time (is that perhaps why you called me a joke?).

If you need more I can give it to you.

This thread might be pitiful, 1:49, but I have fun pushing people's buttons. I think it kind of worked.

jesseca b., you may push some buttons, but you're not afraid of putting yourself out there, and you're not really that much of an asshole while doing it. something to admire no matter what. i look forward to meeting you around town!

dans silver leaf is just a click joint. all those, neo country or whatever the fuck you want to call it,bands that generally play there think they represent Denton and make themselves fell important by stroking each others egos.

Has ghosthustler ever been invited to dans? i rest my case. dans is an inbreed country single minded narrow genra fuck of a venue.

See SHQ was cool. While it was near dans it was better than Dans because it allowed for all types and kinds of music. Very inclusive and embracing. Denton needs a venue like that again. Dans just houses the same type of music over and over. Rubbergloves is where its at now.

"See SHQ was cool. While it was near dans it was better than Dans because it allowed for all types and kinds of music. Very inclusive and embracing. Denton needs a venue like that again. Dans just houses the same type of music over and over. Strawberry Fields is where its at now."

What the shit, you think dan's is bad, try RBAR. Dan the man is a very nice guy who would actually let you in a show for free if money really was a huge issue to you. I don't know very many bar owners who would do that. I played there a couple weeks ago, and we are far from neo-country